Words by Aude Camus
If you’re a regular reader, you know it by now - I have a ‘slight’ obsession with food. I’m the type of person who can stay in a great mood all day just knowing there’s a nice dinner ahead. But if I’ve had a bad meal? Total mood crusher. Simply put, food makes or breaks my day.
That said, with all the tastings I’m lucky enough to attend - and the treats I like to enjoy - I need a balance. Clean eating on non-tasting days and regular workouts keep things in check. The workout part? Sorted. It’s become a daily habit, and I’m disciplined about it. The food part, though? That’s where my self-discipline wavers, and where a meal plan comes in handy. I’m not going to lie: I’ve tried quite a few in Hong Kong. Let’s just say they’ve been more miss than hit.
So, why did I say yes when Nutrichef invited me to try their meal plan? First, the founder is French and collaborates with a Hong Kong-based French nutritionist. And yes, I’ll admit it - there’s a little cliché thinking there, but I assumed they’d understand that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It can be balanced, delicious, and still have that French touch I love. You can take the girl out of France but you can’t take France out of the girl.
Second, I’m working on building muscle (not in a competitive bodybuilder way but in a ‘let’s tone up for long-term health’ way). This means upping my protein intake and cutting back on carbs (except bread, because let’s be real - bread runs in my veins). I opted for their High Energy plan, designed to meet protein goals while supporting muscle growth.
Did I starve?
If you’re a regular reader, you know it by now - I have a ‘slight’ obsession with food. I’m the type of person who can stay in a great mood all day just knowing there’s a nice dinner ahead. But if I’ve had a bad meal? Total mood crusher. Simply put, food makes or breaks my day.
That said, with all the tastings I’m lucky enough to attend - and the treats I like to enjoy - I need a balance. Clean eating on non-tasting days and regular workouts keep things in check. The workout part? Sorted. It’s become a daily habit, and I’m disciplined about it. The food part, though? That’s where my self-discipline wavers, and where a meal plan comes in handy. I’m not going to lie: I’ve tried quite a few in Hong Kong. Let’s just say they’ve been more miss than hit.
So, why did I say yes when Nutrichef invited me to try their meal plan? First, the founder is French and collaborates with a Hong Kong-based French nutritionist. And yes, I’ll admit it - there’s a little cliché thinking there, but I assumed they’d understand that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It can be balanced, delicious, and still have that French touch I love. You can take the girl out of France but you can’t take France out of the girl.
Second, I’m working on building muscle (not in a competitive bodybuilder way but in a ‘let’s tone up for long-term health’ way). This means upping my protein intake and cutting back on carbs (except bread, because let’s be real - bread runs in my veins). I opted for their High Energy plan, designed to meet protein goals while supporting muscle growth.
Did I starve?
Nope, quite the opposite! The High Energy plan (with daily calories ranging from 2,100 to 2,900) offered generous portions. In fact, some dinner portions were so hearty that I couldn’t finish them. I imagine the portion sizes for other plans, like Weight Loss or Plant-Based, would be more modest, as they provide fewer calories.
What did I eat?
Since I don’t have a microwave at the office, I chose breakfast, snacks, and dinner while sorting lunch out myself. Breakfasts varied from cheese and ham omelette rolls to overnight chia pudding with oatmeal and fruit, and Greek yogurt bowls. Dinners were just as diverse: think chicken fajitas, lemongrass pork shoulder with noodles, and duck leg curry with red rice. The variety was a big plus; when I try to make protein-focused meals on my own, I often get stuck in a chicken rut. The snacks were winners, too. Some were so delicious (like the almond sesame energy ball and the chocolate protein bar) that I felt almost guilty eating them.
Nutrichef’s website mentions their multicultural team - nearly 10 different nationalities - and you can tell. The dishes had a global flair that kept things exciting.
What did I love most?
What did I eat?
Since I don’t have a microwave at the office, I chose breakfast, snacks, and dinner while sorting lunch out myself. Breakfasts varied from cheese and ham omelette rolls to overnight chia pudding with oatmeal and fruit, and Greek yogurt bowls. Dinners were just as diverse: think chicken fajitas, lemongrass pork shoulder with noodles, and duck leg curry with red rice. The variety was a big plus; when I try to make protein-focused meals on my own, I often get stuck in a chicken rut. The snacks were winners, too. Some were so delicious (like the almond sesame energy ball and the chocolate protein bar) that I felt almost guilty eating them.
Nutrichef’s website mentions their multicultural team - nearly 10 different nationalities - and you can tell. The dishes had a global flair that kept things exciting.
What did I love most?
The variety, the flavour (nothing was bland!), and the delivery timing. Their 4 am to 8 am window was perfect. I leave home at 8 am sharp to drop my daughter at school before heading to work, so previous meal plans that arrived late left me scrambling. With Nutrichef, breakfast was always ready, and I even had time to enjoy it at home before starting my day.
Anything else to note?
Nutrichef calculates macros using data from the French government’s food agency and operates with sustainability in mind - eco-friendly packaging and no plastic. I’d leave the delivery bags outside each night, and they’d collect, clean, and reuse them.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely - as a one-week reset, especially in January, after indulgent holidays, or during a busy work stretch. I can see why some people choose meal plans long-term; they’re so convenient. For me, it’s a short-term strategy due to the nature of my lifestyle, which includes several food events a week and family dinners that I love preparing. But as a mental load reducer and an easy way to hit specific goals? It’s a definite yes.
Anything else to note?
Nutrichef calculates macros using data from the French government’s food agency and operates with sustainability in mind - eco-friendly packaging and no plastic. I’d leave the delivery bags outside each night, and they’d collect, clean, and reuse them.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely - as a one-week reset, especially in January, after indulgent holidays, or during a busy work stretch. I can see why some people choose meal plans long-term; they’re so convenient. For me, it’s a short-term strategy due to the nature of my lifestyle, which includes several food events a week and family dinners that I love preparing. But as a mental load reducer and an easy way to hit specific goals? It’s a definite yes.
This article is based on a complimentary one-week plan offered by Nutrichef. No payment has been made for this review, which reflects the genuine experience and opinions of the author.